Chief Midwife’s visit celebrates excellence in Western Sydney maternity care

The Chief Midwife role provides strategic leadership across NSW Health to strengthen midwifery services, workforce capability and evidence-based models of care that improve outcomes for women, babies and families.

Donna visited maternity services at Auburn, Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals, describing the experience as both professional and deeply personal.

“It was more like a family reunion for me, with some quite emotional moments,” she said.  

“I am so grateful for the warm welcome and the evident support for midwifery teams across Western Sydney.”

At Auburn Hospital, Donna reflected on the strong sense of community that defines the service, noting many midwives who joined temporarily had chosen to stay long-term, drawn by its personalised, woman-centred approach to care.

At Westmead Hospital — the busiest maternity service in NSW — she met midwifery and neonatal intensive care teams delivering highly specialised care for more than 5,000 births each year. She highlighted the integration of midwifery models within complex tertiary services, supporting women and babies with diverse and high-risk needs.

During the tour of the purpose-built maternity service and Special Care Nursery at Blacktown Hospital, Donna recognising its role in supporting one of the state’s fastest-growing communities, with more than 4,000 births annually.

WSLHD Director Nursing and Midwifery, Maria Lingam, said the visit was a proud moment for the district.

“Donna’s return highlights the strength, diversity and innovation of midwifery in Western Sydney. Our teams are delivering exceptional, culturally responsive care to one of the most diverse communities in Australia, and it was wonderful to showcase this work.

“We look forward to ongoing collaboration with Donna to expand our midwifery models of care and grow our workforce models,” Maria said.